Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish will interest teams
The Chris Johnston Show: Chris Johnston on Anaheim Ducks center McTavish, and how he'll draw interest from teams looking for help down the middle.
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McKenzie: “It doesn't bother me that I'm running around the trade board, but I'm especially impressed with Mason McTavish being on this list and being number four. He signed a six-year extension in September. We know there was a lot of talk about his contract in the fall.
So for him to be in this situation, especially for the Anaheim Ducks team, where we've seen them in the playoffs, they look like a team on the rise. Curious as to what could be next for him, and how would the Ducks be willing to part with a player like McTavish? “
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Johnston: “I think they should consider it, you know, it's not the Ducks pushing the door. I mean, look, like you said, they signed him to a long-term extension. He's still a minor player. They don't have to do anything. This is not, this is not a case where Anaheim is in custody.
I think it's more, you know, it didn't go as well this year as I think he or the team would have liked. He found himself scratching a few times during the season. It got scratched a few times in the playoffs, and you know we're in the offseason where (the Ducks) have some big contracts to offer, right?
Start with Leo Carlsson, who I think will get a monster number. We're talking about July 1st contracts in free agency where everybody goes, 'Wow.' You know, I think it's very possible with both Leo Carlsson, Connor Bedard needing new deals this summer, and possibly Macklin Celebrini signing a one-year extension. I think the next wave of youth organization type could see the standard go much higher for players.
And obviously they are all tied together in a way. You know, Celebrini is probably the head of the class, but you know, Carlsson, you know, he could end up with a $14 million a year contract, or something like that. I think that's probably what he ended up getting into.
And so you've got him needing his deal, I believe, Cutter Gaucher is working out a new contract, so you know, with the money that Anaheim is going to spend, you know, there might be a case here to see if they can, you know, address some of the needs with McTavish.
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Now, I still think long term, if he ends up being their second line center, that's probably where they're happy, you know. They have Mikhail Granlund. They have veterans they've brought in, like I would call advocates for these developmental stages of their team.
You know, and teams are interested in someone like McTavish, you know, to call him a repeat project, I think, would be a little bit of an exaggeration. “
McKenzie: “He's 23.”
Johnston: “But you know, maybe seeing him, 'hey, if we put him in our system, and we can give him some opportunities, and maybe he goes in there, you know, that he can, you know, bring a little bit more about the potential that he's had since he was the first pick in the draft a few years ago.'
So you know, I think he's an interesting name, and certainly one that, you know, has drawn some interest in the league right now. And you know, we'll have to see if that heats up to the point where the Sharks are, or right, where the Ducks are willing to take them away.”
McKenzie: “I'm not trying to make this a Calgary show, but, like, basically McTavish fits the profile of the player the Flames need. He's 23 years old. He can be a top six player on the team. An impact player, you need impact players. Like, again, I'm not trying to make the Calgary Flames show, but they need them, like every team.
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Johnston: “Well, and if you believe in him, and I think there's a lot of reason to believe in him, he's that contract that he signed in the place we're going to be, I think, you know, he's likely to bring that value, frankly, as time goes on. And, you know, that, I think that's an attractive number, as a team, I think it's worth the proposition. come in, fill that hole, and you know, as long as he can continue to take steps forward.
And another thing, this guy is a hockey nut, you know, he's one of those players that I've circled the ducks a few times in the playoffs, and obviously during the regular season. Like he's like the last guy out in the morning who kind of skates. He's the one who knows any perceived issues with him, and I think his skating has been a question that he's faced throughout his, you know, his teenage years and his early days in the NHL. But they're not, they're not the result of not putting everything into his work, so that's another good thing.
And I think, you know, I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed in Anaheim, but that being said, other teams are trying for the reasons we've highlighted. This is a tough time to get better, especially when you look at that free agent list and need a center,
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